Xeriscape garden | Volunteers are needed at the six-acre Aurora Xeriscape Garden, on the east side of the Municipal Center on the corner of Alameda Avenue and Chambers Road. Help maintain a demonstration garden that educates the public on water conserving landscape. The work may include preparing the soil, planting, weeding, working on a seasonal project like trail building and general maintenance. Info: Contact Abby Schreiber, Volunteer Coordinator, at 303-739-7356 or aschreib@auroragov.org.

Website research | Compass of Larimer County is a website containing current statistics, reports and studies about Larimer County. Larimer County’s Health and Human Services Division needs Compass research specialist volunteers and interns to provide research and data analysis to update the Compass website. Specialists set their own schedule and work at home. Apply online at larimer.org/compass/volunteer_application.pdf. Info: awolsey@larimer.org or 970-498-6877.

SouthWest Improvement Council | SWIC needs volunteers in several areas. Class Leader volunteers plan and coordinate classes in the Westwood Community Center. Reception Ambassador volunteers will work at the reception desk answering phones and welcoming patrons. Office Assistant volunteers will do computer data entry and assist with staff projects. Fitness Center Monitor volunteers will use the fitness office to monitor open times in the weight room and check out balls for use in the gymnasium. Info: 303-934-4780.

Recording for the blind and dyslexic | The Rocky Mountain Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) is recruiting volunteers for its Colorado Springs satellite studio at East Library. Volunteer opportunities include: reading, directing, bookmarkering, outreach and fundraising. Info: 303-692-9213 or e-mail betsyrfbd@qwest.net.

Canine Partners of the Rockies | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., (CaPR) needs puppy raisers. The base requirements for puppy raisers include raising the puppy for 18 months and attending scheduled training classes with other puppy raisers.

Canine Partners of the Rockies | CaPR also needs a volunteer grant writer starting in September. The individual will coordinate the development, writing and submission of grant proposals to third-party entities. The volunteer is also responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting data on the performance of program activities that are funded by grants received. Info: 303-364-9040, Linda@caninepartnersoftherockies orcaninepartnersoftherockies.org.

Animal sanctuary | Denkai Animal Sanctuary needs volunteers to help feed, water, drain hoses, clean pens and repair fencing for the many animals housed at the sanctuary. Dog-walkers are also needed. Info: 970-897-3122 or e-mail info@denkaisanctuary.org.

Bird education and science | Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, with offices in Brighton and Fort Collins, conserves birds and their habitats through research, monitoring, outreach and education. Volunteer are needed to help plan or staff various public events, such as festivals and RMBO’s annual member event. These events are at various locations along the Front Range at various times between April and October. Time commitment is variable and no knowledge of birds is necessary Info: rmbo.org. or 303-659-4348.

Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact volunteer coordinator David Williams at 720 274-5147 or e-mail david@crrn.org.

Airport ambassadors | Denver International Airport needs volunteers for its Ambassador Program. Candidates must be outgoing and able to work directly with the public, and be physically capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Prospects must be over 21, pass a background check and complete a day of training. Info: corinne.christensen@diadenver.net or 303-342-2242.

Travelers assistance | The Travelers Assistance Program at the Denver International Airport needs mature volunteers to provide comfort; information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities; and provide social services to the DIA traveler. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flexible schedule and stations. Once a week or twice a month would be great. Volunteers undergo a complete background check. Training is provided. Contact TAP at 303-342-0400 or dentravler@aol.com.

Alzheimer’s residents | Volunteers are needed to spend time with Alzheimer’s residents at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab in Morrison. Volunteers spend time with residents, talking to them, helping to read and write letters, sending holiday greeting cards, playing cards and more. Info: Karen Fletcher, 303-697-8181.

Elder care | Life Care Center of Aurora, an elder care facility, needs volunteers in the areas of administration and activities, flexible to volunteers’ personalities and schedules. Info: Contact Kim at 720-222-4242 or visit the Center at 14101 E. Evans Ave.

Hospice | Affinity Hospice of Life, 2121 S. Blackhawk, Ste. 110, Aurora, needs volunteers to visit with patients. Hospice volunteers are offered a free training program and are involved in a wide range of activities including writing letters, supervising visits with pets, grocery shopping and support for primary caregivers. Info: affinityhospice.com. or 303-745-3197.

Hospital | Saint Joseph Hospital needs volunteers for the afternoon/evening shifts at its “Welcome Desks.” Volunteers will greet and assist patients and visitors by answering questions; direct visitors to patients’ rooms, department locations and meeting locations; look up patients’ room location for visitors and provide accurate information to visitors as directed by staff. Volunteers should have good interpersonal customer service skills; a positive attitude and ability to maintain a high level of professional composure under stressful conditions; ability to work with little supervision and flexibility in determining and meeting customer needs. Info: Contact Jordan Frost, volunteer coordinator, at 303-837-7667 or visit sjhfdenver.org.

Seniors/finances | AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers to help fight fraud and to protect older adults from financial exploitation. Volunteers are needed to work with the AARP Foundation and Colorado Attorney General’s Colorado Consumer Line in the Denver Call-Center. References and background checks are required. Info: Contact Amy at 720-947-5306 or visit aarpelderwatch.org.

Money management | Seniors Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people maximize their personal independence, needs volunteers for its Money Management Program – Bill Payer Service. After training, volunteers will go into the residences of low income disabled or elderly persons, at no cost, to assist them with organizing and paying their bills, balancing their checkbook and providing guidance on personal budgeting and related matter. Info: Tim Cusick at 303-300-6933 or tcusick@seniorsinc.org.

Volunteers of America | RSVP, a program sponsored by Volunteers of America, assists over 80 agencies in Denver, Douglas and western Arapahoe counties recruit volunteers. Participants must be 55 or older and can sign up for volunteer positions at partner agencies during RSVP’s “Inside Scoop” meetings. Info: Jan Munoz at 303-297-0408, ext. 13128.

Food bank | Food Bank of the Rockies needs volunteers in the Distribution area of the warehouse filling orders, packing boxes, sorting products for delivery and more. FBR can accommodate groups from 1-30 individuals for two shifts per day as well as one Saturday morning per month. Info: Contact Olive at 303-371-9250, ext. 236 or e-mail volunteer@foodbankrockies.org.

Medical relief | Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need of medical relief around the world. Project C.U.R.E. Corps needs groups of volunteers to sort items, load containers and for warehouse organization. Individual volunteers are needed to work as truck drivers, volunteer coordinators, couriers, sorting team leaders, and in procurement and general administration. Info: projectcure.org. or 303-792-0729.

Child assistance | CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that trains, supports and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the physical, emotional and educational needs of abused and neglected children. Volunteers attend 30 hours of training in order to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. Info: casa17th.org., 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.

Adult/family education tutors | The Learning Source for Adults and Families needs volunteer tutors for its adult classes in the Denver Metro area. Areas of instruction are English language, reading, writing, math and GED preparation. No prior teaching experience is required. For info and training location, contact Tom Oatts, 303-922-4683 or tom@coloradoliteracy.org.

English tutors | Central Denver Language School (CDLS) is a non profit English language program that teaches English to non English speaking adults. The school was founded by a group of volunteer teachers and has been in operation for one and a half years. CDLS’s student population has grown from thirty to over 70. CDLS needs more teachers. If you enjoy interacting with foreign students, in a classroom setting or one-on-one as a tutor, become a volunteer. Training and guidance will be provided. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, located near Broadway and 1st Ave. Info: call Bud at 303-520-4466.

English tutors | The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language program needs volunteers to teach English to recently-arrived refugees. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Info: Sharon McCreary at 720-423-4843 or sharon_mccreary@dpsk12.org; or refugee-esl.org.

Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative | BCWI needs volunteers to help with forums, to work on StreamTeams to protect local waterways, to write articles and take photographs, to help with general clerical duties and more. Info: KeepItCleanPartnership.org. or 303-413-7365.

Natural areas | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program needs volunteers for the following programs: “Adopt a Natural Area,” which involves monthly litter clean-ups in natural areas with flexible time commitment; “Volunteer Ranger Assistants,” serving as a friendly face on the trail to greet visitors, promote safety and assist rangers; “Master Naturalists,” learn how to lead fun hands-on field trips on a flexible schedule; and “other opportunities,” which are scheduled in the warmer months. To volunteer: Contact Susan Schafer, Natural Areas Volunteer Coordinator at 970-416-2480 or sschafer@fcgov.com. Info: visit fcgov.com/naturalareas/volunteers.php.

Trail guides | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. Info: osmp.org. or 720-579-4161.

Wilderness environmental service programs | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals.

Backcountry | Volunteers are needed for several multi-day environmental restoration projects this summer: Sept. 11-14 in the South Colony Lakes Basin in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area; and Sept. 17-18 at Shelf Road. Info: RMFI at 719-471-7736 or rmfibox@qwest.net.

Trailwork | The Department of Community Resources and the City of Lakewood’s Regional Parks division needs individuals, community groups and businesses to adopt a section of trail at William Fredrick Hayden Park on Green Mountain. The Adopt-A-Trail Program encourages volunteers to “adopt” a half-mile section to be inspected three times a year. Once a year, each Adopt-A-Trail team will join other teams in the park to clean up and maintain trail sections. Everyone who adopts a section of trail will be recognized with a special sticker on the trail mile marker of the adopted section. Info: Lakewood.org., 303-697-6159, or e-mail erinil@Lakewood.org.

Morrison Museum | The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colorado 8, needs volunteers to teach about local fossils and rocks using hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Training and mentorship provided. Volunteers are also needed to assist with reptile collection care, fossil molding and casting, and information desk/gift shop operations. Info: 303-697-1873 or mnhm.org.

Museo de las Americas | The Museo de las Americas is recruiting and training volunteers for art, programs and events. Contact Kristi Martens at 303-571-4401, ext. 28, or e-mail Kristi@museo.org.

Air and Space museum | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., needs volunteers to help with youth and adult education programs offered by the Museum’s Education Department. Volunteers conduct tours, assist with hands-on activities, teach in the flight simulator lab and conduct our Project Pilot course. Project Pilot is a team building course in which students learn the basics of flight planning and then fly a mission in the Museum’s Flight Simulator Lab. Wings offers progressive training for all of these volunteer positions. Aviation experience is a plus, but is not required. Info: Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@wingsmuseum.org.

Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitor Center | School field trip program guides and docents are needed to serve as hosts and conduct programs appropriate for school groups, youth and scouting organizations, senior citizen and civic groups at the Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. Info: Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.

Zoo | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., needs volunteers to assist with special events, to assist zookeepers and to work in the zoo’s membership, education and administration departments. Info: denverzoo.org. or 303-376-4894.

Dinosaur Ridge | Volunteer tour guides are needed to teach people about the paleontological, geological, natural resources and history of Dinosaur Ridge. Applicants must be at least 18 and must complete required training. Info: 303-697-3466 or dinoridge.org.

Mining club | The Denver Mining Club is a free (except for purchase of lunch) weekly meeting each Monday except on holidays with a mining-related speaker. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Country Buffet Restaurant, 8100 W. Crestline Ave., Littleton. Purchase of buffet lunch is required.

River table | Visit South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, the first Saturday of each month and manipulate a river in the 12-foot stainless steel river table. The table is filled with plastic sand and recirculating water powered by pumps that can be controlled by participants. Visitors can create a city landscape and see how natural river actions affect their creation. Naturalists are on hand from 2 to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month to guide individuals and families through the free, hands-on experience. Info: 303-730-1022 or sspr.org.

GPS, map and compass class | On the second Friday of every month through November, there is a free USGS GPS, Map and compass class at Building 810, Federal Center, Lakewood. Class schedule is: Map and Compass from 9 to 11 a.m. and GPS from noon to 4 p.m. Info/register: 303-202-4689 or e-mail gpsworkshops@usgs.gov.

Science open house | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free open house with hands-on science activities on the third Sunday of the month. Register: 303-739-2428.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research | NCAR’s Mesa Lab, a working research laboratory at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in Boulder, has a free visitor center that is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The visitor center has a climate exhibit, an eclipse telescope, working supercomputers, a gravity well, and hands on demonstrations of lightning, tornados and fluid dynamics. Info: 303-497-1174 or ucar.edu.

Renewable energy | The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Visitors Center features an interactive exhibit hall and DOE public reading room. Info: nrel.gov/visitors_center. or 303-384-6565.

Children’s workshops | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., has many children’s workshops and events for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For a list, call the Children’s Workshop coordinators at 303-370-8225 or 303-370-8347.

Nature programs | The Starsmore Discovery Center, at the entrance of North Cheyenne Canon at 2120 S. Cheyenne Road, has guided “wildlife tracks and signs” walks at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays on the Columbine Trail. Info: 719-385-6086.

Nature programs | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a variety of nature programs for children and adults. For a list of events, call 303-739-2428 or visit auroragov.org.

Nature programs and hikes | “Rox-Revealed,” a program featuring naturalist-led programs and hikes, is at 11 a.m. Saturdays at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959 or parks.state.co.us.

Wildlife refuge programs | The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, East 56th Avenue at Havana Street, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There are various exhibits at the Visitor Center, and free nature programs and refuge tours. Info: 303-289-0930 for times and reservations, or visit rockymountainarsenal.fws.gov.

Natural history seminars | The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers a series of outdoor seminars on natural history topics in Rocky Mountain National Park. Info: 970-586-3262 or rmna.org.

Astronomy events | Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, has a variety of astronomy shows, talks, and family matinees. The evening talks and shows are $6 adults, $5 students with valid I.D., and $3.50 for children and seniors. Saturday family shows are $5 adults, $3.50 children and seniors. Laser shows are $5. Info: 303-492-5002 or colorado.edu/fiske.

Public viewing at observatory | The Sommers-Bausch Observatory on the University of Colorado Boulder campus is open to the public for stargazing (weather permitting) every Friday at 8 p.m. Info: 303-492-6732 or cosmos.colorado.edu.

Natural area preview tours | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering informational, guided tours of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. All the tours are led by naturalists; geology, ecology, archaeology and history are highlighted. The tours are free and participants on most tours will be transported to the site in City vehicles. Four types of tours are offered: van tours – with short walks to the Lindenmeier overlook and a lunch break; hiking tours – hikers must be able to hike 4-6 miles on uneven terrain with little cover; biking tours – bikers will cover several miles of gravel road and two-track trails on steep grades and must provide transportation for themselves and their bicycles to the entrance of Soapstone Prairie; equestrian tours: take your mount for a 5-hour ride through the shortgrass prairie with views of Cheyenne Ridge and the Big Hole. The tour schedule is at fcgov.com/naturalareas/soapstone.php. Register at 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.

Nature seminars | The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument sponsors a summer series of seminars and field trips relating to fossils, nature and geology. Info: 719-748-3253.

Junior ranger activity | Colorado National Monument in Fruita is unveiling a new Junior Ranger activity booklet for kids ages 5-12. The booklet is available at the CNM Visitor Center. Once kids have completed the required activities (usually takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete), they can return to the visitor center where a park ranger reviews their work and awards them an official Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Info: 970-858-3617 or nps.gov/com/.

Guided bird walks | Joey Kellner, a member of Denver Field Ornithologist, Colorado Field Ornithologist and the American Birding Association, leads a free bird walk on the last Saturday of every month (excluding December) in Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road. Meet at Platte River Parking Lot. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Dress for the weather. Info: parks.state.co.us. or 303-979-9115.

Poudre river tours | Discover the Cache La Poudre River on a two-hour walking tour geared for adults at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in September and October. Meet at the lower parking lot by the tennis courts in Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood, Fort Collins. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.

SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING

TODAY

Museum free day | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering free admission to the Museum all day. Paleopuppeteer “Mr. Bones” and his life-size dinosaur puppets will be in the Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; “Secrets of the Dioramas,” a tour and program on how artists make the Museum’s dioramas look so lifelike, will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; a scavenger hunt around the Museum will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be a drawing for a free family membership to the Museum between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Separate admission fees to Phipps IMAX Theater and Gates Planetarium remain in effect during Free Days. Info: 303-322-7009 or dmns.org.

Kids nature program | “Decay Ole,” a program for youth ages 4-5 from either 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 8-29 at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. Ranger Pam will discuss how things rot. Activities include playing games, conducting experiments and going for short hikes to watch things decompose. Cost is $58 ($45 District rate). Register: 303-347-5999 or sspr.org.

TUESDAY

Senior zoo event | “Senior Zoofari,” a wild safari trek through the zoo, with activities stations and senior resource booths to see how seniors can get involved with the zoo, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St. Visitors ages 65 and older will receive free admission. Info: 303-376-4800 or denverzoo.org.

WEDNESDAY

Mineral and fossil show | The Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show will be Sept. 10-14 at the Holiday Inn-Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St. Info: mzexpos.com/Colorado_fall.htm.

THURSDAY

Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Celestial Navigation,” a live astronomy talk by Justin Searles will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5001, fiske@colorado.edu or http//fiske.

Astronomy program | “Many Faces of Hubble,” a free program, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Info: 303-492-5001, fiske@colorado.edu or http//fiske.Colorado.edu.

Gem and mineral show | The Denver Gem and Mineral Show will be Sept. 12-14 at the Denver Merchandise Mart, 58th Avenue at I-25. The show is sponsored by nine area gem and minerals societies. This year the show’s theme is “Minerals of Colorado.” Info: denvermineralshow.com.

Natural area tour | There will be a free naturalist-led tour of Riverbend Ponds Natural Area in Fort Collins at 8 a.m. Meet at the Prospect Street entrance. Info: fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Family astronomy program | “Stars and Lasers,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 2 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001, fiske@colorado.edu or fiske.colorado.edu.

Wildlife program and hike | A naturalist will give a free program, “Wildlife Radar: How to See Wildlife in Nature,” at 9 a.m. at the picnic shelter at the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, west of Masonville in Fort Collins. A hike will follow the program. Register at 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.

Trailwork project | Volunteers are needed to help Peloton Cycles maintain Section No. 3 of the Devils Backbone Trail in Larimer County from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Devils Backbone Open Space parking lot. Take work gloves, water, sunscreen, a sack lunch, and wear boots or sturdy shoes. Tools, training and supervision will be provided. For map and registration info, call 970-679-4552 or e-mail dflahavhan@larimer.org.

Nocturnal animals program | “Full Moon Sense,” a free program about nocturnal animal adaptations, will be at 6:45 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge, west of Masonville in Fort Collins. Register at 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.

A member of a "sophisticated cocaine trafficking conspiracy" was convicted Monday in federal court in Denver of conspiring to distribute, and possessing with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, according to prosecutors.

A man who shot two eighth graders at Deer Creek Middle School in 2010, and was found not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder, will not be allowed to leave the Colorado Mental Health Institute's grounds without supervision, according to a Jefferson County District Court ruling.

After the San Francisco Bay Area, metro Denver experienced the biggest apartment rent increases this decade in the country. But plenty of new supply should put future rent gains closer to the national average, according to a new report from RealPage, a real estate research firm.